tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70617159603287218412018-06-16T21:01:32.651-07:00Architectural EthicsAn exploration of/for/with/about generation 'Y' architect[ure]sThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061715960328721841.post-23025003149408743552010-04-21T14:20:00.000-07:002010-04-22T08:24:06.960-07:00Thesis Structural Solution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S89r0Fue2xI/AAAAAAAAAE0/0C08G9zhkNM/s1600/Landscape+Sheets_Final+Presentation-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S89r0Fue2xI/AAAAAAAAAE0/0C08G9zhkNM/s400/Landscape+Sheets_Final+Presentation-40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S89tKfiEHgI/AAAAAAAAAFM/wDs71y7jMVQ/s1600/sturctural+diagram+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S89tKfiEHgI/AAAAAAAAAFM/wDs71y7jMVQ/s400/sturctural+diagram+final.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S89r2DS3phI/AAAAAAAAAE8/pYdCporwcjI/s1600/Landscape+Sheets_Final+Presentation-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S89r2DS3phI/AAAAAAAAAE8/pYdCporwcjI/s400/Landscape+Sheets_Final+Presentation-43.jpg" width="400" /><span id="goog_1780992022"></span><span id="goog_1780992023"></span></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S89r3MYQLcI/AAAAAAAAAFE/BVZaOYiQ69I/s1600/Landscape+Sheets_Final+Presentation-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S89r3MYQLcI/AAAAAAAAAFE/BVZaOYiQ69I/s400/Landscape+Sheets_Final+Presentation-44.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />These images are from my final structural solution included as part of my thesis. The structure is made entirely from a single ghx script. It is a actuated tensegrity structure, with retractable canvases attached. The architectural envelope can either be vapor sealed or open, and it can bend and twist, as well as respond to changing solar positions.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061715960328721841.post-14231819997262922862010-02-25T09:24:00.000-08:002010-02-26T09:44:51.707-08:00Actuated Tensegrity Module<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S4azNxt_nFI/AAAAAAAAAEk/1HJEGxRDTME/s1600-h/perspectives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S4azNxt_nFI/AAAAAAAAAEk/1HJEGxRDTME/s640/perspectives.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S4azcPZq1LI/AAAAAAAAAEs/bTHfSO_bv-M/s1600-h/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S4azcPZq1LI/AAAAAAAAAEs/bTHfSO_bv-M/s640/front.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>In my thesis work, I am developing a complete actuated building enclousre. The screenshots above shows the current version, developed entirely in grasshopper. An actuated class one tensegrity structure is sandwhiched between two layers of actuated canvas screens, which unroll based on the position of the sun. The outermost layer is a canvas mullion system designed to protect the actuated componets within. More image to come....Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061715960328721841.post-67229916781666642792010-02-15T10:28:00.000-08:002010-02-15T10:30:50.497-08:00Generative Mistakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S3mRffzGvtI/AAAAAAAAAD8/E_4-_Y3cd8g/s1600-h/courtyard+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S3mRffzGvtI/AAAAAAAAAD8/E_4-_Y3cd8g/s320/courtyard+2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S3mR7zJd5PI/AAAAAAAAAEM/11FvQR_sCLw/s1600-h/Follow+the+leader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S3mR7zJd5PI/AAAAAAAAAEM/11FvQR_sCLw/s320/Follow+the+leader.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S3mSF0bpcuI/AAAAAAAAAEc/t9Bakskmuz8/s1600-h/Trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S3mSF0bpcuI/AAAAAAAAAEc/t9Bakskmuz8/s320/Trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Recently I was writing a Grasshopper definition to create a pattern of rectangles arranged in a gravitational field around a curve. During my work, I accidently mis-ordered the lists of rectangles, and lofted surfaces between them (almost killing my computer). The result was not a blob or chaotic mess however, but something which had both variation in scale, as well as clearly defined solid and void space. I rendered some images of it, as a testament to the ability of parametrics to <i>generate</i> interesting forms even when we do not intend to. Similar to natural creations, these forms seem random, yet were developed through a predictable process.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061715960328721841.post-12803389441444847472010-02-03T12:43:00.000-08:002010-02-03T12:44:03.920-08:00The Future of Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/65YpzZrwKI4&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/65YpzZrwKI4&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />I ran across this six part documentary video by British philosopher Roger Scruton. In it, he outlines the importance of beauty throughout history, what has become of it, and how we can return to it. His premise is that beauty is a quality which embodies the human desire to rise above the mundane, towards the divine. Scruton blames architects for the current lack of beauty in our environment, claiming that modern architecture has abandoned beauty and replaced it with utility.There are many references throughout the documentary to the beautiful architecture of past eras (Baroque, Renaissance, Rococo, etc), and it is clear the Scruton believes that architecture can be redeemed through a return to such ornamentation.<br /><br />While I agree with his basic premise, I disagree that we should regurgitate the architecture of the past. I believe that the future of beauty lies in technology. It is true that a lot of Modern architecture leaves much to be desired, but contemporary avante garde designers are allowing beauty to once again drive their projects. Whereas Modernist architects like Mies sought <a href="http://www.farnsworthhouse.org/">simplified forms and closed logical systems</a>, these designers seek beauty (not utility) through variety, repetition, scale, and composition.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2nbIpgitOI/AAAAAAAAAC0/CnSdb-pq4x4/s1600-h/Detail+Baroque+Facade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2nbIpgitOI/AAAAAAAAAC0/CnSdb-pq4x4/s640/Detail+Baroque+Facade.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2nbPaA92zI/AAAAAAAAAC8/ntk0Hlt15RY/s1600-h/SYNTHETIC+SYNCRETISM+small-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2nbPaA92zI/AAAAAAAAAC8/ntk0Hlt15RY/s640/SYNTHETIC+SYNCRETISM+small-2.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2ndNU3fmEI/AAAAAAAAADU/2_R1702_mhM/s1600-h/Logus+Block+1892+%284%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://horhizon.com/main/synhetic-syncretism/">http://horhizon.com/main/synhetic-syncretism/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2nfbucCmCI/AAAAAAAAADk/THSpHlZRqt8/s1600-h/Logus+Block+1892+%284%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2nfbucCmCI/AAAAAAAAADk/THSpHlZRqt8/s640/Logus+Block+1892+%284%29.jpg" width="640" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2ndi84TlwI/AAAAAAAAADc/S5T60ijjbh0/s1600-h/k2-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2ndi84TlwI/AAAAAAAAADc/S5T60ijjbh0/s640/k2-4.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.ruyklein.com/projects.html">http://www.ruyklein.com/projects.html</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2nfmGb4D1I/AAAAAAAAADs/7mkpqikPknE/s1600-h/roccoco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2nfmGb4D1I/AAAAAAAAADs/7mkpqikPknE/s640/roccoco.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2nftD7TyoI/AAAAAAAAAD0/F2b7c6M5kMQ/s1600-h/Spanish+Boroque_Horizon+Research+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2nftD7TyoI/AAAAAAAAAD0/F2b7c6M5kMQ/s640/Spanish+Boroque_Horizon+Research+Group.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://horhizon.com/main/spanish-boutique/">http://horhizon.com/main/spanish-boutique/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061715960328721841.post-49215997575097508512010-01-29T11:51:00.000-08:002010-02-03T13:22:43.115-08:00Voronoi Introduction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2M4Z8LG0tI/AAAAAAAAACs/3A-7SaLuquc/s1600-h/Ventriculites_pores_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2M4Z8LG0tI/AAAAAAAAACs/3A-7SaLuquc/s400/Ventriculites_pores_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2M3iajMHOI/AAAAAAAAACc/T2MTMw3KQvE/s400/VORONOI.jpg" width="400" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S1R-J1S11rI/AAAAAAAAACM/LQLK6cqmjM8/s1600-h/sponge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S1R-J1S11rI/AAAAAAAAACM/LQLK6cqmjM8/s400/sponge.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2M34hvG9SI/AAAAAAAAACk/O-CQLE5QXu0/s1600-h/Voroni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S2M34hvG9SI/AAAAAAAAACk/O-CQLE5QXu0/s400/Voroni.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I am currenlty working on a thesis which focuses on 'responsive' architecture - that is, architecture which transforms to enhance temporal, environmental, programatic, or social changes. Last week I attempted to use a sponge as a model for a scaling transformative structure, and i needed some cellular scripts to study it.<br /><br />These Voronoi shapes are interesting enough, especially the three-dimensional models. In the end however, I believe i am going to trash the sponge metaphor, in favor of an adaptive <a href="http://tensegrity-structures.blogspot.com/">tensegrity structural system</a>, which also has roots in nature (pun intended).<br /><br />: <a href="http://dimitrie.wordpress.com/2009/02/15/grasshopper-voronoi-2d-examples/">Voronoi Grasshopper Definition</a><br />: <a href="http://www.liftarchitects.com/journal/2007/10/5/tensegrity-wall.html">Tensegrity Wall (3ds Max)</a>Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061715960328721841.post-37578308465186361792010-01-12T13:07:00.000-08:002010-01-12T13:15:49.822-08:00Architects as Catalysts<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">An anonymous blogger commented on this idea from my last post:</span><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">"You mention that Architects, in this scenario, play the role of "catalyst for a design". If Architects become not the sole designers, but merely facilitators for design, what does that mean for the profession?"</span></i><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Whoever you are, thanks for asking! The professional implications of these new design methods are astounding! In my previous post, I had said that the parametric revolution would position architects as catalysts for design which evolves. The most obvious illustration of this statement is a basic script. A script is a pre-written bit of code which, when enacted by the designer, carries out a list of functions. In this scenario, the designer does very little actual work, however, the code has generated a potentially enormous amount of data. If a designer can then take several bits of code, and weave them together appropriately, entire building systems can be produced automatically. (check out <a href="http://eat-a-bug.blogspot.com/">eat-a-bug</a>) <br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The question reminds me of something <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yona_Friedman">Yona Friedman</a> wrote about decades ago in Towards a Scientific Architecture. There, he suggested that architects could abandon the creation of discrete building forms, in favor of producing portfolios of building components. His theory was that architects could become (again?) trusted advisers, guiding clients through the implications, opportunities, and dangers of selecting particular building components or systems. While this form of professional practice is dramatically different than our current one, it does align closely with the parametric design process. In both scenarios, the architect has a wealth of components to choose from, but he/she is also becomes responsible for the harmonious and discerned composition of the elements. <br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">While the idea of using building components is not new (think of Le Corbusier’s Maison Dom-ino, or the high-tech building style of the eighties), the idea of allowing clients to have a direct influence over their composition is new. One attempt to enact Friedman’s theory has been done by <a href="http://w3.tue.nl/nl/">Endhoven University of Technology</a>. The university developed a ‘puzzle’ type interface for client-designed houses. Each puzzle piece was assigned parameters (code) and conditions (associations with other components). The parameters define what the piece is, and the conditions define how it can be used. Clients can then configure puzzle pieces, which relay to a visual rendering of the house in real time. While the architect is not seen in this process, he/she still exists as the author of the puzzle, defining all available pieces, and how they may relate to one another. This affords the possibility of an architect being lauded for the quality of the puzzle, rather than a single composition from its pieces. In this approach, the role of the architect is not slighted, but simply altered. In this scenario, the architect would have to give up the right to exclude the client from the design process. In return, the architect would maintain relevance in today’s collaborative society, and gain a greater understanding of their clients.<br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S0zdg6JrOzI/AAAAAAAAABs/si_DGpS-76g/s1600-h/Programming+Components.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S0zdg6JrOzI/AAAAAAAAABs/si_DGpS-76g/s400/Programming+Components.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S0zdoCBbJHI/AAAAAAAAAB0/rdPOaysrz-g/s1600-h/Puzzle+Pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/S0zdoCBbJHI/AAAAAAAAAB0/rdPOaysrz-g/s400/Puzzle+Pieces.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div>Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061715960328721841.post-65657002445319042332009-12-29T10:35:00.000-08:002009-12-29T10:37:23.063-08:00Parametric Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/SzpJVIJ8xfI/AAAAAAAAABk/MoRvj4zLkoI/s1600-h/Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/SzpJVIJ8xfI/AAAAAAAAABk/MoRvj4zLkoI/s400/Board.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Tahoma; panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-520082689 -1073717157 41 0 66047 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoAcetate, li.MsoAcetate, div.MsoAcetate {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-link:"Balloon Text Char"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:8.0pt; font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;} span.BalloonTextChar {mso-style-name:"Balloon Text Char"; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Balloon Text"; mso-ansi-font-size:8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:8.0pt; font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Tahoma; mso-hansi-font-family:Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} /* Page Definitions */ @page {mso-footnote-numbering-restart:each-section;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Modernists of the last century esteemed the idea that building components had predictable uses, and so they designed these components as static objects which meet intended needs. In the sixties, however, theorists such as Nicholas Negroponte and Charles Eastman recognized that designers could not accurately predict the range of future uses a space would serve, and thus could not properly provide for programmatic variation. Such theorists lead the way in investigating <i>responsive </i>architecture.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today’s intensification of social and urban change, combined with the renewed concern for sustainability, amplifies the demand for responsive architecture. Advances in ubiquitous computing have made it possible to animate buildings in response to changing program or environmental conditions. The architect can now play the role of a catalyst for a design which evolves. Designers have begun using generative components, not only as form-finding instruments, but as actuated building systems. <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This project is conceived to illustrate the form-finding potential of parametric models, as well as their potential to adapt to changing data. The tower-like form can change in height, width, rotation, and number of floors. Any number of additional programmatic variables can conceivably be added to the model.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u3:smallfrac u3:val="off"> <u3:dispdef> <u3:lmargin u3:val="0"> <u3:rmargin u3:val="0"> <u3:defjc u3:val="centerGroup"> <u3:wrapindent u3:val="1440"> <u3:intlim u3:val="subSup"> <u3:narylim u3:val="undOvr"> </u3:narylim> </u3:intlim> </u3:wrapindent><span style="font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The skin of this project is composed of generative components, all of which are defined by a common algorithm. The algorithm determines the normal vector of each component, and produces a dot product from each normal vector and the solar angle (vector). &nbsp;Base on the value of this product, apertures open or close to control light intake, similar to the movement of a pupil. While architectural day-lighting is much more complicated than what this system addresses, the model illustrates the ease by which designers can solve complicated issues through the use of generative components.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></u3:defjc></u3:rmargin></u3:lmargin></u3:dispdef></u3:smallfrac><br /></div><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eaLOKvmRgRA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eaLOKvmRgRA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fWxTFdQqkX4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fWxTFdQqkX4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061715960328721841.post-48497847240525684922009-10-27T09:37:00.000-07:002009-10-27T09:41:29.607-07:00ACADIA Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/SucYvcjrNMI/AAAAAAAAABQ/-UGWJTglhE4/s1600-h/acadia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gQqgrGfFrV8/SucYvcjrNMI/AAAAAAAAABQ/-UGWJTglhE4/s640/acadia.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.acadia.org/acadia2009/">2009 ACADIA Conference</a> was recently hosted by the Art Institute in Chicago. While I did not attend, I am fortunate to have a borrowed copy of the conference proceedings. Thus far, it seems that the compilation seems to include a broad review of parametric design methodologies, with applications ranging from mixed media to construction processes. What is most substantial however, is its inclusion of digital <i>theory</i>.<br /><br />As members of Gen Y, we are exposed to a much larger architectural tool kit than those before us. Technology allows for increasingly complex and variant formal methods, using generative components and mathematical algorithms. The work of the Deconstructionists (Novak, Lynn, etc) has added phrases like 'gravitational field', 'attractor geometry', and 'fuzzy logic' to the architectural vocabulary. The totality of this new toolkit forms the genesis of what Patrick Schumacher calls '<a href="http://www.patrikschumacher.com/Texts/Parametricism%20as%20Style.htm">Parametricism</a>.' While Schumacher claims that this new style is 'mature', I disagree.<br /><br />The parametric movement is still young, and has not yet matured to the extend of outright theory. For many of us, Parametricism is still an issue of method, not theory. This may account for the perceived thoughtlessness of some digital architectures. I argue that while we are not thoughtless, our work is not as thoughtful as it could be. So, as Gen Y, how will we create the future of Parametricism? Will it remain simply an evolution of method, of tools? Will it develop into something more meaningful? Something substantial?&nbsp; Perhaps the greatest challenge we will face in our careers is the synthesis of method and theory within this new paradigm.<br /><br />The ACADIA Conference proceedings acknowledges this issue, and provide a great foray into some contemporary resolutions. Further, it is not a 'show-book', rather it provides detailed accounts of parametric design processes, and the critical thinking associated with them. Perhaps after the price drops ($80 at the conference) It would be a wise professional investment.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061715960328721841.post-75711706229514567252009-10-20T11:46:00.000-07:002009-10-20T23:00:21.431-07:00Generation Y: Who are We?<div style="text-align: left;">Generation Y is also known as the 'Millennial Generation.' It typically refers to those born between 1980 and 1994, although it is disputed by demographers, and varies across countries. A range of between 1988 and 2008 is also used. Generation Y is primarily the offspring of Boomers, although some are the children of older gen Xers.<span style="font-size: small;"> More important than birth chronology, however, is the distinguishing attributes of our generation.</span> A survey of 2,500 gen Yers conducted by <i>Talentsmoothie</i> found that respondents, <span style="font-size: small;">“had little interest in their parents’ work-dominated lives… weren’t seduced by salary and status. Instead, the ability to ‘make a difference’, balanced by plenty of downtime, was their career dream. … despite the current climate, Generation Y hasn’t altered its values. Recession or no recession, this is a group that will ‘walk away’ if the company doesn’t match its ideals.”</span> The blog <i>pwcom 2.0 </i>has also done a study on emerging gen Y professionals:<b> </b>"Peer pressure replaces bureaucracy; hierarchical structures are replaced by networks of councils and boards; silo-type approaches are superseded by<b> </b>collaboration and ‘a democracy of ideas’<b>.</b> Such approaches are also supported by financial incentives and by Web 2.0 technologies, enabling ‘leadership from the middle."<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp;&nbsp;</b><br /><b>Do these findings accurately describe us? In my experience they do. We are about collaboration and communication.</b><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Our general outlook on the world also affects our design heuristics. We favor plurality of interpretation over totalitarian objectivity. We approach design problems from a multitude of angles, seeking subjective meaning over pure form. </span></b>The end of Modernity, symbolized by the collapse of the Berlin Wall, has brought a dramatic re-conceptualization of cultural systems. Postmodernist thought rejects booleanation, in favor of subjectivity and inter-dependence.&nbsp; Generation 'Y' lives in this landscape, and values the plurality of discourse over autonomous definition. The architects of this generation will not seek purity of form or perfection of detail. Rather, they will conspicuously draw from many methods, materials, and heuristics in their search for meaning. Gestalt associations will then become of the highest importance in the formation of both architects and architecture. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As Gen Yers, we are just now entering the workforce. We are eager to find substance and value in the architecture we create. Conversely, we want architecture to demonstrate <i>our </i>values of justice, peace, unity, and authenticity.This blog is a candid exploration of that quest.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For further information on gen Y:<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://pwcom.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/why-generation-y-matters/">pw20.com</a> : for info on our impact in the professional world <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://workempowermentfoundation.typepad.com/fff_at_work/2007/08/gen-y-4---gener.html">work empowerment foundation</a> : a list of general characteristics and values<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.jasonyounglive.com/2009/08/19/10-key-gen-y-characteristics/">10 Key Characteristics</a> : by Jason Young<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a class="cssButton" href="javascript:void(0)" id="publishButton" onclick="if (this.className.indexOf(&quot;ubtn-disabled&quot;) == -1) {var e = document['postingForm'].publish;(e.length) ? e[0].click() : e.click(); if (window.event) window.event.cancelBubble = true; return false;}" target=""></a><br /></div><div class="cssButtonOuter"><div class="cssButtonMiddle"><div class="cssButtonInner"><a class="cssButton" href="javascript:void(0)" id="publishButton" onclick="if (this.className.indexOf(&quot;ubtn-disabled&quot;) == -1) {var e = document['postingForm'].publish;(e.length) ? e[0].click() : e.click(); if (window.event) window.event.cancelBubble = true; return false;}" target=""><br /></a><br /></div></div></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7061715960328721841.post-15799473845506710502009-10-19T14:08:00.000-07:002009-10-19T14:08:19.337-07:00Blog CreationThis blog is maintained by Thomas Sharp, a graduate student of architecture at Judson University. It began publishing for the public on Oct. 19th, 2009.Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07596873803657055613noreply@blogger.com0